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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in driving buses and buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, streetcars and intercity and sightseeing tour and charter buses to transport passengers along established routes, locally and over long distances; and in driving buses to transport passengers and cargo to intercity and long-distance destinations

Interest in speaking with passengers to provide information on fares, schedules and stops; may provide passengers with information on points of interest during trips

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Community service bus drivers operate small buses that carry a few passengers (for example, from seniors’ homes to shopping malls).

Motor coach drivers issue transfers, check bus passes and collect fares. They may drive from city to city or operate local tour buses. Tour bus operators may greet sightseers and narrate the trip.

School bus drivers take students to and from school. Their routes may be along busy city streets or over rural roads.

Working Conditions

Updated Mar 14, 2018

All drivers must deal with difficult passengers. They also face hazards like bad weather, poor driving surfaces and heavy traffic.

Bus drivers may work shifts that include evenings, weekends and holidays.

School bus drivers work weekdays before and after school hours. They may drive students on fieldtrips during or outside of school hours. Drivers who transport special-needs students must load and unload equipment like wheelchairs. They may lift children into their bus seats.

Transit bus drivers and motor coach drivers often work changing shifts for years before getting regular routes and shifts. Many transit bus drivers work part time or split shifts.

Drivers working for long-distance bus lines and tour companies may load and unload luggage and parcels weighing up to 45 kilograms.

Strength Required
Lift over 20 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 14, 2018

Bus drivers need to possess:

good health and vision

communication skills

diplomacy and courtesy in dealing with the public

the ability to be pleasant from the first passenger to the last passenger each day

the ability to remain alert

good judgment

attention to detail (when inspecting vehicles)

the ability to react quickly in emergency situations.

They should enjoy:

driving

talking to people

taking a step-by-step approach to recording information.

Educational Requirements

Updated Mar 14, 2018

There are no standard educational requirements for bus drivers. However, specific driver training is required.

Alberta uses a system of classified driver licensing. It sets medical standards (including drug screening). It also sets licensing requirements for handling specific types of vehicles. Employers may provide the training required to allow newly hired bus drivers to upgrade their licences. In Alberta, that means changing from a Class 5 operator’s licence to the required Class 2 level. Depending on the type of bus, an air brakes endorsement may be required as well. Some bus lines require motor coach drivers to have a Class 1 licence.

Many bus and transit companies provide 3- to 6-week training programs. They cover important aspects of driving such as:

defensive driving skills

traffic laws

bus schedule information

customer service training.

In Alberta, Class 2 school bus driving programs are offered by some public colleges and private vocational schools. Program length, cost and admission requirements vary. Students should be at least 18 years old. They should have a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence. Other requirements may include:

a clear driving record

a minimum number of demerits

a medical examination

drug screening.

Before enrolling in a program, prospective students should talk with bus drivers and employers about training and employment options.

Applicants must pass a pre-employment medical or physical demands check. They must be physically able to do inspection checks, minor maintenance duties and shoulder checks when driving. Individual employers may also require applicants to:

Wheels On Ltd.

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Mar 14, 2018

Bus drivers work for:

municipal transit systems

school bus companies

long-distance bus lines

tour bus lines

charter bus services.

Most positions are part time or seasonal.

Large transit systems and motor coach companies may use video-based selection tools and written tests to screen job applicants.

With experience and initiative, some drivers move into other positions in related areas. These include dispatching, office management, safety, training and vehicle maintenance.

Bus drivers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7512: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)

occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)

size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the H712: Bus Drivers and Subway and Other Transit Operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 218 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary

Updated Mar 14, 2018

Bus drivers’ earnings vary considerably depending on location and employer. Motor coach drivers may earn hourly wages or flat fees on a contract basis for tours and special charters. Long-distance drivers may be paid by the mile. School bus drivers may have different rates of pay based on whether they have a fixed route or a special-needs route. They work about 180 days a year and are paid on a daily or flat-rate basis.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

C: Lower Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Industry Information

Public Administration

ALL INDUSTRIES

Transportation and Warehousing

Retail Trade

Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

Health Care & Social Assistance

Accommodation & Food Services

Educational Services

Public Administration

$63,003

ALL INDUSTRIES

$49,265

Transportation and Warehousing

$38,394

Retail Trade

$29,350

Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

$26,049

Health Care & Social Assistance

$24,684

Accommodation & Food Services

$21,998

Educational Services

$19,730

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

57%

57%

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

25%

25%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

8%

8%

Vacancy Rate

2%

Related High School Subjects

Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation

Logistics

Mechanics

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study

Driver Training

Updated Mar 14, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.